Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer recently announced that Ellen M. Drake has joined the Residential Services Group as a residential portfolio manager in its Glen Allen office. She will manage a portfolio of residential multi-family properties in the metro Richmond and Hampton Roads areas. Drake graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University and served as the director of property management for Monroe Properties in downtown Richmond. Drake holds the Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) designation from the National Apartment Association and is currently enrolled in the Certified Property Manager (CPM) curriculum through the Institute of Real Estate Management.

***

The Retail Merchants Association has announced the three finalists for the 2012 Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award: Paul Carr, CEO of Car Pool Car Washes; Pat and Bobbi Heaney, owners of Mango Salon; and Richard Fowlkes, owner of Peter-Blair, Inc. Car Pool, with locations throughout Richmond, including Henrico, won Richmond Magazine’s “Best Car Wash in Richmond” 2009-2012. The business opened a new store location in 2011 and has installed a new point of sale system and undergone major renovations of other key store locations. Mango Salon, whose second location is in Short Pump, has shown exponential growth since 2003. The business has been listed in Salon Today Magazine’s “Top 200” seven consecutive years. It was also named “Best Hair Salon” in Virginia Living’s “Best of Virginia 2012.” The three finalists were selected for their outstanding success in areas of their businesses and community involvement. The winner will be announced Dec. 7.

***

Jumpology has leased 17,451 square feet at 10087 Brook Rd. near Virginia Center Commons. Morgan Trible with Commonwealth Commercial Partners, Inc. represented the tenant in this transaction.

***

Henrico resident Amanda Jonas recently was inducted as the 2013 president of the Central Virginia Chapter of Community Associations Institute (CAI). She also received the 2012 Chapter Award, which honors a member who has made outstanding contributions to achieving the Chapter's goals. Jonas currently serves as the regional director of community management for Genesis Community Management, the internal association management company for HHHunt, and handles the day-to-day operations of several of the Community Associations established by HHHunt. In her work with HHHunt Communities, Jonas coordinates the drafting of the start-up documents for new Community Associations and assists with the entitlement process.